Fall Family Fun in Sangamon County

Cooler temperatures and pumpkins appearing on front porches mean fall is settling into Sangamon County, and families looking to make the most of October have plenty of opportunities close to home.

From sprawling corn mazes and wagon rides to pick-your-own pumpkins, apple cider donuts and community pumpkin carving, several local farms and attractions are in the middle of their fall seasons, with additional family events scheduled throughout October.

One of the area's largest traditional fall destinations is Bomke's Patch, 605 Country Lake Road on the west side of Springfield. The family-operated farm opened its 2026 fall season Sept. 19 and combines pumpkin picking with enough activities to make the trip considerably more than a stop to buy a jack-o'-lantern.

Visitors can head into Bomke's 10-acre pumpkin patch and cut pumpkins directly from the vine, with clippers and wagons provided by the farm. More than 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds are grown at the patch, and pre-picked pumpkins are also available for visitors who would rather skip the trip into the field.

For children, the pumpkin patch may only be the beginning. General admission includes a 10-acre corn maze, a two-acre bean maze geared toward younger visitors, a wagon ride through the farm to a petting zoo, corn cribs, swings, haystacks and other play areas. New additions this year include a Barnyard Spinner and Bomke's Patch bounce house. The farm also offers a pumpkin cannon and Riddle Hill Rock Mine for an additional charge.

The trip can easily turn into an afternoon outing. Bomke's serves food and fall treats including freshly made apple cider mini donuts, apple cider slushies, cookies, pulled pork and other items, while its old barn is filled with seasonal decorations, gifts and locally made products.

General admission is $10 for ages 3 through 65, $8 for seniors 65 and older and members of the military, while children 2 and younger are admitted free. Regular Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 25.

A few miles north of Springfield, Pumpkin Creek Farms, 7392 Barclay Road in Sherman, offers another full-scale fall farm experience and one with significantly more weekday availability.

Pumpkin Creek's 2026 season runs through Nov. 1. The farm is closed Mondays but open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. It will also be open Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The farm is built around giving children plenty to do between choosing pumpkins. Its attractions include a 7.5-acre corn maze, U-pick pumpkin field, hayrides, petting zoo and Haystack Mountain obstacle course, along with numerous games and farm-themed play areas. Families can choose pumpkins in the field or select from pumpkins already brought up near the barn.

Pumpkin Creek has also added several features for 2026. A Mum and Pumpkin House provides a seasonal family photo spot, while visitors can test themselves at a new tractor pull attraction. The Country Store also offers an activity allowing visitors to create their own fall-scented candle.

Food is part of the experience as well. Pumpkin Creek makes apple cider donuts fresh daily and offers cider slushies, hot or cold cider, coffee and other drinks. Pulled pork and several barbecue-based menu items are available on weekends, along with other food throughout the week.

Admission at the gate is $10 Tuesday through Friday and $15 Saturday, Sunday and Columbus Day, with discounted tickets available when purchased online in advance.

Families who only want pumpkins do not have to purchase activity admission and may enter the U-pick fields, shop in the Country Store or purchase pumpkins, mums, donuts and other food without buying an attraction wristband.

For families looking for something simpler and less expensive, Kristin's Pumpkin Patch at 6300 Wind Tree Road in Springfield offers a more traditional pick-your-own experience.

The family-run patch has operated for more than 30 years and offers U-pick pumpkins, gourds and flowers along with a corn maze. There is no general admission charge. The corn maze costs $3 per person or $10 per family, while pumpkins and most gourds are priced by weight. Wagons and clippers are available for visitors to take into the field.

Kristin's is open Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The patch will also be open Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Families more interested in bringing home the tastes and colors of fall can also make a stop at Jefferies Orchard, 1016 Jefferies Road north of Springfield. Jefferies is more farm market and orchard than amusement-style pumpkin patch, but its current offerings include apples, jack-o'-lantern pumpkins, smaller pumpkins, gourds, squash and other seasonal produce.

The orchard is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fall calendar extends well beyond the farms.

Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, will hold its Fall Harvest Festival Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, with Saturday's activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

That same weekend, families can help create another Springfield fall tradition at Carve for the Carillon in Washington Park. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, near the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Pumpkins are supplied free while they last, with participants encouraged to bring carving tools.

The finished pumpkins become part of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hundreds of carved pumpkins will be illuminated around the Carillon in Washington Park.

Later in the month, Halloween takes over Henson Robinson Zoo with Zoolie Ghoulie. The 2026 event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering family trick-or-treating and Halloween displays throughout the zoo. Admission is $5.

Whether the goal is an entire afternoon of corn mazes, animals and wagon rides or simply finding a pumpkin and taking a few fall pictures, Sangamon County families have several options without a long drive. With farms remaining open through late October or early November and community events filling the weekends ahead, there is still plenty of fall to enjoy.